An ordinance proposed by Commissioner John Barrow would fine motorists $150 for talking on a hand-held cell phone. Hands-free phones -- including headsets and speaker phones -- would still be permitted under the ordinance, and drivers would not be fined for making emergency 911 calls.

On Monday, Barrow said he doubted the ordinance would get enough commission support to be adopted.

''I ain't holding my breath, based on conversations I've had with other commissioners,'' Barrow said. ''But, like any good Baptist, I have faith in last-minute redemption.''

Barrow's ordinance is modeled after one in Suffolk County, New York, which late last year became the first county in the nation to adopt such a ban. Several cities nationwide have adopted some type of cell phone restrictions.

The commission is also expected to vote tonight on a $140,175 subsidy to U.S. Airways Express for an additional daily flight from Athens-Ben Epps Airport to Charlotte. An additional $40,000 would be allotted to advertise the additional flight.

U.S. Airways Express currently offers three daily flights from Athens to Charlotte, with an annual passenger count hovering around 10,000. If the passenger count falls below 10,000, county officials say, the airport would lose a $1 million annual grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. That money is used for general airport maintenance, as well as runway improvements and other facility upgrades.

Requiring commission review of development in the county's rural areas

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Commission Chamber, City Hall, 300 College Ave.

Parking: On-street parking and College Avenue parking deck that is nearby

Information: Call (706) 613-3031

On the Web: www.athensclarkecounty.com

Public comment will be accepted on all agenda items.

According to an outline of the proposed subsidy, the airline calculated that it would require 10.5 additional passengers each day to make the extra flight profitable. If the average passenger count falls below that number, the county would pay $90 per passenger -- up to $140,175 over a 16-month period.

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Doc Eldridge said Monday he expects the commission to approve the subsidy.

''I'm willing to spend a dime to chase a dollar. We're so close to losing those FAA grants,'' Eldridge said. ''It makes good sense for us to put some money toward keeping those numbers up and increasing them.''

Also tonight, the commission will consider Commissioner Charles Carter's proposal to amend the county's recently approved zoning ordinance. Carter's plan would require the commission to review plans for subdivisions in the agricultural-residential (AR) zone, a sparsely developed area concentrated at the edge of the county.

Under the current ordinance, developers may build subdivisions in these areas without commission approval, provided they follow a list of design standards. Carter has argued these standards are enough to preserve the rural quality of the AR zone.

Carter was not available for comment Monday.

Also tonight, the commission is expected to vote:

Whether to move forward with plans for a $1.06 million runway project at Athens-Ben Epps Airport, funded with local and federal dollars.

Whether to grant a request by Sheriff Ira Edwards for a $10,919 pay increase, which would make his salary equal to that of the former sheriff, Jerry Massey. If approved, Edwards' salary would be $77,077.

Whether to waive fees for Athens-Clarke County residents who deliver leaf-and-limb debris to the landfill.

Whether to approve a list of proposed sites for Fire Station No. 3 at Five Points and Fire Station No. 4 at Hawthorne Avenue.

Whether to approve plans for a mixed-use design for Fire Station No. 3, which would include retail and residential space at the station.